Traditional healing practices for gynecological disorders: Insights from tribal communities of Bargarh district, Odisha, India

Abstract

Background: Gynecological disorders significantly affect women's health globally, prompting research into plant-based remedies. This study explores indigenous medicinal plants used by rural communities in Bargarh district, Odisha, India, for treating such disorders. It aims to document and preserve traditional knowledge passed down through folklore and practiced by local communities.

Methods: Field surveys regarding medicinal plants used for different gynecological disorders were carried out from January 2023 to April 2024 from 189 informants using semi-structured questionnaires, complemented by informal interviews, conversations, and direct observations.

Results: During the survey, 29 ethnomedicinal plant species from 22 families were recorded, with Fabaceae being the most frequently represented. Herbs and trees were the dominant life forms, each constituting 37.9%, followed by climbers (13.8%) and shrubs (10.4%). The most commonly used plant parts were leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, and bark. These plants were found to address lactation-related issues (29%), followed by menstrual disorders (25.8%), abortion-related conditions (22.6%), facilitating delivery (19.4%), and gonorrhea (3.2%). The most significant species with higher use values were Piper betle L. (0.48), Phyllanthus emblica L. (0.35), Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. (0.30), and Saraca asoca (Roxb.) W.J.de Wilde (0.26). The informant consensus factor ranged between 0.95 and 0.97.

Conclusions: The current study shows that rural women often experience gynecological problems and rely on traditional medical care. The findings suggest that the local population is attentive and cautious regarding gynecological diseases. This study will serve as a foundation for future phytochemical and pharmacological screenings aimed at discovering new herbal treatments for various gynecological issues.

Keywords: Folk remedies, Indigenous knowledge, Gynecological disorders, Life form, Therapeutic plants.